SK Telecom Provides Secure Vaccine Information Using Blockchain Technology

Anyone Can Use the 'Initial' App Regardless of Carrier

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] SK Telecom will provide COVID-19 vaccination information services using blockchain technology.

SK Telecom announced that, together with Raon Whitehat, ICONLOOP, and Coinplug, it will start a COVID-19 vaccination information service based on DID (Decentralized Identifiers) from the 8th.

SK Telecom will offer an information service that issues and allows users to check vaccination information containing COVID-19 vaccine records through its 'Initial' application (app), and plans to add an authentication feature via QR code in the future.

Customers who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination can immediately check their vaccination information by simply installing the Initial app, regardless of their subscribed carrier. Users of the information service can select and submit only the essential information required for authentication during the QR code generation process. The generated information will be stored only in the secure area of the user's smartphone, not on any specific company's server, which is expected to further enhance personal information protection.

SK Telecom is also preparing services based on COVID-19 vaccination information, aiming for application within this year. First, it plans to utilize COVID-19 vaccination information to create a safer working environment for participants in the elderly job and social activity support project promoted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Additionally, it will open an unmanned store access authentication service using Initial.

Sehyun Oh, head of SK Telecom's Digital Asset Company, stated, "Through this, we hope that DID technology will contribute to creating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) value across society, including helping to revitalize the economy for small business owners."

Meanwhile, to commemorate the launch of the Initial COVID-19 vaccination information service, SK Telecom will hold a coupon giveaway event from the 8th to the 15th of this month. Customers wishing to participate in the event can register their participation information via the notice or event popup link in the Initial app. Participating customers will be entered into a draw to receive Paris Baguette mobile gift certificates worth 30,000 KRW (100 winners) and GS25 mobile gift certificates worth 1,000 KRW (18,888 winners).